RIA teams up with Reshoring UK to promote British rail industry
2020-08-21 15:28:45The new partnership is intended to support RIA members who are looking to fill the gaps in their supply chains, or to support the creation of new ones, by connecting them with other companies in the UK.
Neil Walker, exports director at the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said: “The UK rail industry is already well recognised across the world for its innovation, expertise and ability to deliver effectively, supporting both our domestic rail network and other nations’ railways too.
“Yet the results of an independent ComRes survey of rail business leaders at the end of 2019 found that more than half, 56% per cent, felt that too little consideration was given for whether rail suppliers have a presence and support jobs in the UK. It is therefore vital that we continue to build up our domestic industry, whilst attracting foreign direct investment into the rail market, from overseas.
“That is why the Railway Industry Association is excited to be joining Reshoring UK, an organisation that brings rail suppliers with a UK presence together to create supply chains and develop an even stronger UK rail offer. We look forward to working with Reshoring UK and RIA members to deliver a growing, sustainable rail sector which provides growth, investment and export income for the benefit of UK plc.”
Baroness Burt of Solihull, patron of Reshoring UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Railway Industry Association as a Partner in the Reshoring UK initiative. RIA will be an important contributor in the development of the network, to encourage engagement with our manufacturers to recognise the strength of the skills and innovation available to the manufacturing supply chain in the UK.”